Mining machine



K. DAVIS MINING MACHINE Aug. 28, 1928 Filed April 21, 1925 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 m T m V N K. DAVIS MINING MACHINE 6 SheetsSheet 2 IN VEN TOR Filed April 21, 1923 ATTORNEY K. QAVIS MINING MACHINE Filed April 21, 1923 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Tffd ' ATTORNEY Aug. 28, 1928.

K. DAVIS MINING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 21, 1923 IN VEN TOR Aug. 28, 1928.

y 1,682,556 K; DAVIS 1923 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Aug. 28, 1928. 1,682,556

- K. DAVIS MINING MACHINE Filed April 21, 192:5

257 Z56 M 7 f; /5 z45 s Sheets-Sheet e Patented Aug. 28, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

KENNETH DAVIS, ST. BENEDICT, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TD.REMBRANDT PEALE, RICHARD PEALE, AND REMBRANDT PEALE, JR, TRUSTEES.

MINING MAOHIN E.

Application filed April 21, 1923.

The invention relates to mining machines and more especially to a noveland useful automotive dirigible kerf'cutting mining machine. V I

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part hereinafter and in part will be obvious herefrom, or may be learned by practice with the invention, the same being realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

()f the drawings Fig. 1 is a top plan, with parts in horizontal section, and with parts broken away, of a machine embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a central, vertical section, with parts in elevation, taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 3 is a fragmentary detail plan showing the adjustable cutter bar;

Fig. 4 is a section on line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation, looking at Fig. 1 from the left;

Fig. 6 is a view like Fig. 5 but showing a different form of traction tread drive;

Fig. 7 is a view, partly diagrammatic showing the machine in position to begin a kerf cut in aroom face of a coal mine, with the coal seams in horizontal section at the top of the kerf level;

Fig. 8 is a similar view showing the cutter partly entered in beginning the kerf;

Fig. 9 is a'similar View showing the kerf partly cut across the face;

Figs. 10 and 11 show the mining machine traveling under its own power, but with the cutter bar in different positions;

Fig. 12 shows the mining machine operated by the distant control;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary, vertical section of a distant control for the cutter bar driving means;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary, vertical section of a distant control for the cutter har positioning means;

Serial No. 633,605.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary, vertical section through a form of winding drum for advancmg the machine into the work; and

Figs. 16 to 23 are diagrammatic views showing one manner of undercutting amine room. 7

The invention is directed to providing a kerf cutting mining machine which is automotive, dirigible and can cut an entering kerf and thereafter complete the kerf under its own power, and which is also very com pact and powerful and is especially of low structure so as to be capacitated to operate in very thin seams orveins. It is also capacitated to travel freely from place to place under its own power and independently of tracks and under the control, dirigible and otherwise, of an attendant, either accompanying the machine, or located at a distant and also if desired a stationary place or station.

The embodied machine comprises generally a frame formed as alow, hollow casing inclosing the driving motor, and the driving connections therefrom to the kerf cutter and the traction treads. The side portions of the casing exterior-1y are formed as guideways for the endless belt traction treads, which thus extend longitudinally of, and are spaced apart the full width of, the machine.

The chain cutter is supported and guided by a relatively long and narrow bar mounted on the side of the machine,,and preferably extends parallel with and close to the floor on which the machine travels. This cutter bar is movable, preferably angularly swing-- ably, relatively to the machine and may extend optionally out sidewise from themachine, or to the front or rear. 1

Thus the machine by its own tractive power may push the cutter bar endwise into a coal face to start a kerf cut when the cutter bar extends forwardly. By positioning the cutter bar substantially at right angles to the length of the machine, the machine may continue to cut the kerf by its own tractive power. A winding drum is also mounted on the machine and is driven by the motor, and the kerf may be cut by the combined tractive and winding power of the motor, orby the winding power alone.

The machine is completely dirigible and very flexible in its controlled movements, both when working and when traveling between places, by means of disconnectible and reversible driving connections between the motor and the endless belt traction treads.

A distant control for the driving and steering mechanism is also provided, whereby an operator at a distant station may control the operation and movements of the machine. Thus the low, but powerful machine,- ma be traveled, manoeuvcred and worked in low coal seams, or the like, by an operator who remains at a distant station from which he controls the n'iaehine, asd'esired.

Other features of the invention will be primarily set forth in connection with the following detailed description. It will be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, but are not restrictive of the invention.

Referring now to the present preferred e111- liodiment of the invention, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, the machine is provided with a frame preferably in the formv of a hollow casing. \Vithin the central part 1 thereof, an electric motor 2 (shown more or less conventionally and with parts omitted) is mounted, and is thereby protected from damageand dirt. The ends of the motor shaft 3 are mounted in bearings 4 and 5, formed in vertically-disposed, transverse heads or' plates 6 and 7 of the motor chamber, which are preferably cast integral with the casing'l.

Likewise mounted within the casing 1 are driving connections from the motor to a plurality of traction devices, which are reversibly and separately driven to render the machine diri'gible under its own power by controlling the action of the motor upon the traction means. As embodied, a pair of endless tractiontreads are provided extending longitudinally of, and located at either side of, the machine structure. The exterior part of the casing ateit'h'er's'ide thereof is accordingly formed into supportingand guiding means for the two endless'traction tread belts. At the right hand side the casing forms an endless trackway 12 for the inner surface of the belt, and has an outside flange 13 to hold the traction belt in place, and at the inner side a shoulder 14 for the same purpose. The endless tractiontread belt 15 runs upon the endless pathway 12 about'this part of the casing and between the guides 13 and 14.

At the other side of the machine, the casing islikewise formed to make an endless support and pathway 16 for the endless traction tread belt 17 a guiding and positioning flan'ge18 being shown on theoutside and a similar flange 19 on the inside. In the present embodiment the independently connectable and disconnectable and reversible driving mechanism is located in a chamber formed by the casing. between the part 1 containing the motor and the left-hand traction tread belt.

In the embodied form of said means, a bevel pinion 28 is fixed on the end of the motor shaft 2, and meshes with a bevel gear wheel 29, which latter is fixed on a vertically-dis posed shaft 30, the upper end of which shaft is journal'cd in the enlarged portion 31 of the upper inner wall of the casing. A friction washer 32 is preferably employed between the gear and its bearing. At its lower end the shaft has a bearing in a cylindrical bearing block 34, having a flange bolted to the bottom wall of the casing chamber by bolts 36, a bearing washer 37 being preferably provided on the upper side of the bearing 34. Fixed toshaft 30 is a worm 40, with which meshes a worm wheel 41, which is fixed on a stub shaft 42. Stub shaft 42 rotates in bearings 42 and 42 and has fixed on each end the clutch jaws 43 and 44. Shaft 42 normally rotates continuously.

Cooperating with the clutch jaw 43 is a clutch jaw 45, mounted on a shaft 42, to rotate therewith, while being slidable therealong. The clutch jaw 45 is resiliently impelled into engagement with the clutch jaw 43 by a helical spring 46, coiled about the shaft 42 and in compression between the outer end of the clutch jaw 45 and a collar 4", fixed on the shaft 42. The actuating and controlling means for the clutch herein embodied is adapted for operation by a distant stationary control, and a yoked lever 49 is provided with pins projecting into an annular groove 50 in the clutch jaw 45, the lever being pivoted at 51. At its opposite end 52, the lever 49 is pivotally connected to the core 53 of a solenoid 54, which has circuit connections which will be later described.

The shaft 42 is journaled near one of the ends at 58 in the machine casing and projects outwardl therefrom. On its exterior end there is xed thereto a bevel gear 60, with which meshes a bevel gear 61. Gear 61 is fixed on a shaft 62, which shaft is journaled in a bearing 63 in the machine casing adjacent the gear 61. Shaft 62 at its opposite end is journaled in a bearing 64, mounted on a bracket 65, extending outwardly from the gear casing below the shaft and extimding upwardly to provide a bearing for the shaft. Fixed to the other end of the shaft 62 is a sprocket wheel 66. This sprocket wheel is in driving engagement with a series of'pins or collars 67, which are a part of the. endless traction tread belt, and are arranged between the two series of teeth or gronml-engaging members 68 and 69 upon the endless traction belt, to thereby drive the belt in one direction.

Referring now to the conncctahle and disconnectable means for driving the traction belt 15in the opposite direction, a clutch jaw 78 is mounted on a shaft 42 to rotate therewitlnbutis slidable therealong into and out of engagement with the clutch j aw '44, already described. The clutch jaw 78 is resiliently til) impelled into engaging position with aw 44 by a helical spring 79, which spring encircles the shaft 42 and is in compression between the outer end of the'clutch jaw 78 and a collar 80, fixed on the shaft 42.

The shaft 42 at one end has a bearing 81 in the outer wall of the machine casing and projects therethrough. Fixed to the outer end of the shaft is a beveled gear 82, with which meshes a beveled gear 83, which is fixed on a shaft 84, journaled at 85 in the wall of the machine casing. The other end of the shaft 84 is journaled in a bearing 86, which bearing is formed on a bracket 87, extending outwardly from the central part 1 of the casing and then extending upwardly to form the bearing for the shaft. Fixed to the shaft 84 is a sprocket wheel 89, which engages with the pins or sleeves of the endless traction tread belt in the same manner as the sprocket wheel 66 already described, but driving the endless traction tread in the opposite direction.

Referring now to t e driving and controlling mechanism for the left hand tread, it

is generally similar to that already described.

As embodied, a worm wheel 99 is in mesh with the worm 40, and is fixed 011 a stub haft 100, mounted to rotate in bearings 100 and 100". Shaft 100 normally rotates continuously. Fixed on the stub shaft 100 at each end thereof are clutch jaws 101 and 102. Cooperating with the clutch jaw 101 :is a clutch jaw 108, which is rotatable with but slidable along a shaft 100 Glutch jaw 108 is resiliently impelled into engaging position with clutch jaw 101 by a; helical spring 109, which spring encircles shaft 100 and is in compression between the clutch jaw 108 and a collar 110 fixed on shaft 100.

At one end thereof shaft 100 has a bearing 111 in the shell of the machine casing and extends outwardly therethrough. Fixed to the shaft at its outer end is a bevel gear 112, with which meshes a bevel gear 113, which latter is fixed to a short shaft 114, which is journalcd in the machine casing at 115. Fixed also to shaft 114 is a sprocket wheel 116, which mesheswith the pins or rollers 117 on the endless traction belt 17 in the same manner as has been described in connection with the traction device on the other side of the machine.

The clutch jaw 108 is movable in and out by suitable controlling means and this likewise is adapted for control from a distant station. Accordingly, a yoke lever 129 has pins projecting into an annular groove 130 formed in a clutch member 108, the lever being pivotally mounted at 134. At its outer end 131 the lever is pivoted to the core 132 of a solenoid 133, the general circuit connections for which will be later decribed. This mechanism drives the traction belt 17 in one direction.

To drive the traction tread 17 in the opposite direction, a clutch member 136 is mounted on shaft 100 to rotate therewith, but is slidable therealong into and out of engagement with the clutch member 102. Clutch membra- 136 is resiliently impelled into engaging po sition with clutch member 102 by a helical spring 140, encircling shaft 100 and in compression between the outer end of clutch member 136 and a collar 141 fixed on shaft 100". A yoked lever .142 has pins which project into an annular groove 143 on clutch member 130; the lever being pivoted at 144. At its outer end 145, the lever is pivotally connected to a core 146 of a solenoid 147.

One end of shaft 100 is journaled at 148 in the machine casing and projects therethrough. Fixed to the outer end thereof is a bevel pinion 149 which meshes with a bevel pinion 150, which is fixed on a shaft 151, the

shaft being journaled at 152 in the machine casing. Fixed to shaft 151 is a sprocket wheel 153, meshing with the endless traction belt 17 in the manner already described, but driving it in the opposite direction from the sprocket wheel 116.

So far as concerns many features of the invention, the various clutches or equivalent members of the driving mechanism may be mechanically operated, but according to one feature of the invention, and as already in dicated, a distant control is provided therefor whereby the machine may be operated and steered or manoeuvered by an operative located at a distant and usually a stationary station. As embodied, the circuit wires 160, 161, 162 and 163 of the various solenoids are collected into a cable 164 and preferably therewith the power circuit wires for the motor 2. This cable is connected with automatically winding up and paying out devices of any suitable or desired type, and connects to a distant control mechanism, such as is shown in my copending patent application Serial Number 445,701 filed Feb. 17 1921; Serial Number 512,396 filed November 2, 1921 and Serial Number 541,122 filed March 4, 1922.

The winding drum of this mechanism is indicatedconventionally in Fig. 12 by 165 and the circuit controls by 166, but they need not be described in detail.

In the present embodiment the mechanism is adapted for cutting a bottom k-erf, and for driving the cutter endwise into the face of the coal to get the depth of the kerf and to drive it sidewise along or parallel to the face of the coal to get the width of the kerf, both under the tractive effort of the machine itself, and under the dirigible and other control of the operative either with the machine or at a distant station.

In the embodied form of kerf cutting means, a casing 178 is preferably mounted at the right hand side of the mechanism just described. A bevel gear 179 is fixed to this Inc end 01 the motor shaft 3, and a bevel gear wheel 180 is in mesh..therewith. Gear wheel 180 is mounted loosely on a flanged sleeve 181, loosely encircling a vertically-disposed shaft 182, which shaft has its upper end j ournaled at 183 in the top plate of the casing 178. The flanged bushing 181 is seated on a shoulder 184; on shaft 182 to hold the gear wheel 180 in longitudinal position on the shaft 182.

Fixed to gear wheel 180 is a clutch jaw 186. Mounted on shaft 182 to rotate therewith and to be slidable therealong is a cooperating clutch jaw 187. In Fig. 2 this is controlled by a lever 190, pivoted at 191, and

having at its forward end a pin 102 extending into an annular groove 193 in the clutch jaw. Lever 190 extends exteriorly to the casing and has a handle 19-1 and a bolt and slot locking device 195 to hold it either in operative or inoperative position for driving the kcrt cutter.

The embodied form of kerf cutting means comprises a cutting bar 201 which is long and narrow and is pivotally mounted on the lower end of shaft 182 and is provided with an endless chain kerl cutter which is likewise driven from the shaft. As embodied, the cut.- ter bar 201 at its inner end is rotatively supported upon a flange 202 of a sleeve 203, which encircles loosely the shaft 182. and extends upwardly through a hub 204 formed in the bottom part of the casing 178. lhis sleeve is held against rotation by one or more screws 205 passing through the hub and engaging the sleeve.

Means are provided for holding the cutter bar in any one of a plurality of positions, although the bar will usually be positioned either projecting outwardly perpendicularly with the direction of the traction treads or swung inwardly so as to point either forwardly or rearwardly in a direction substantially parallel with these treads. As embodied, a lug or projection 210 extends upwardly from the upper surface of the cutter bar just beneath the arcuate flange 211 which is part of the bottom plate of the casing 178. A bolt 212 extends through an aperture in the lug 210 and has its head 213 counter-sunk into the bottom side of the cutter bar to hold the bolt against rotation. The bolt extends upwardly through any arcuate slot in the flange 211 and is provided with a. nut 21 1 on the upper side of the flange, whereby the cutter bar may be locked in any of the positions already described.

2 The cutter bar is provided with an endless cutter chain 220, running exteriorly about the bar in a guideway 221, the cutter chain being of any standard or other suitable form. The

driving means for the cutter chain comprises a sprocket wheel 222. fixed to the bottom end of the shaft 182 and located within a recess 223 formed in the inner end and on the under side of the cutter bar 201. This sprocket wheel engages with the cutter chain to drive it in the usual manner. A cover plate 224 is preferably provided on the underside of the cutter bar to protect the sprocket wheel, and as a matter of mechanical convenience this can be av continuation of the plate 221 on the underside of the chain drive.

The cutter bar is preferably adj ustablc for length, or for the purpose of regulating the tension of the cutter chain. As embodied, at the forward end thereof, the bar is provided with a curved head 230 about which the chain runs and the head is provided either with a roller or with a curved back plate bearing on the inner surface of the chain. The head 230 has a part 231 extending backward'ly and fitting snugly, but longitudinally slidably, into a longitudii'ially cut-out or recessedportion at 232 in the cutter bar 201. The fit is such as to hold the two parts rigidly against lateral deflection or play.

A plurality of countersunk bolt and slot connections 233 are'provided forfirmly clamp v ing the body of the cutter bar 201 and the adjustable part 230 in position. Preferably also additional positioning meansareprovided, and as embodied, a lag 235 projects upwardly from the body 201 of the cutter bar in said recessed portion, and a positioning bolt 236 is screw-threaded therein-to, the end of the bolt bearing against the inner face 237 of the head 230. The belt thus IIHOVlflQS very nice positioning of the head, and the bolt and slot connections 233 will clamp it lirinly in the desired position.

In Fig. 6 a modified form of drive is shown for the endless traction tread belts wherein" the belts pass overthe exterior sides of the sprocket wheels. Otherwise the drive may be similar to that already described and amplified description thereof will not be necessary.

In Fig. 13 means are shown for cooperating with a distant control for the controlling means for the cutter chain drive. As embodied, solenoids 240 and 240 are carribd on a bracket 2 11 mounted on the-casing 178, and the core 242 of the solenoids is pivotally connected at 243 to clutch-operatii'ig lever 190, which in this case has a spring device 196 to hold it in either position. I

In accordance with one feature of the invention, winding means are provided whereby the'mining machinemay be wound along a cable to press the kerf cutters to the work, this means operating by itself or in conjunction or cooperation with the automotive traction means-alreadydescribed For this purpose, a drum 245 is shown, fi'xed'on the shaft 62. A suitable cable 246,1vhich is anchored to any fixed point 247 at one end may be snubbed about the drain to draw the machine forward. and thereby press the cutter ba'r to the work.

lllll In Fig. 7 of the drawings, the machine is shown somewhat diagrammatically about to start a kert in the face a of a mine room, the ribs ot' the room being indicated by I) and 0. The cutter bar 201 is pointing forwardly, although either direction is forwardly so far as the structure and operation of the machine is concerned, and thus the cutter bar may be swung around and the machine driven in either direction without the necessity of turning it around. The cutter bar may thus be pressed inwardly parallel with and in line with therib c to make the entering out, which is shown partially completed in Fig. 8.

Also the depth of the cut within the capacity of the cutter bar may be determined by the distance the machine is driven for ward. After the kerf out has been made for the required depth, the machine may be turned and if desired the-cutter bar successively angularly positioned until itis brought to the position perpendicular to the line of the traction treads of the machine, that is, the position shown in Figs. 9 and 10. As shown in Fig. 10 the machine is capacitated to complete the cut across the face nearly to the rib I) under its own power; and in Fig. 9 r it is shown utilizing the winding mechanism either with or without its own automotive means.

By positioning the machine at the rib b similarly to its position with respect to the rib 0 shown in Fig. 7, the kerf cut may be completed flush with the rib b. In Fig. 11 the cutter bar is shown positioned so that the machine may be driven from place to place with the cutter bar extending either forwardly or backwardly and with the cutter chain inoperative.

In F ig. 14 is shown one form of device for releasin the kerf cutting bar from one position and locking it in another relatively to the machine. As embodied, a solenoid 250 is mounted on a bracket or plate 250 integral with and projecting outwardly from the cas ing 178. To the core 251 of the solenoid is fixed a plunger adapted to enter a cor responding hole 253 in the cutter bar 201. This may be either in place of or in addition to the bolt 212. The solenoids 240, 240 and 251) may be operated from the distant control mechanism shown in Fig. 12 if-desired.

In Fig. 15 is shown a winding drum for pressing the machine to the work, the operation of which may be controlled byan attendant, either directly, manually, or from a distant station. It will be understood that with either this winding drum, or that previously described, two drums may be employed wherever advantageous or desirable.

In Fig. 15 a solenoid-operated clutch mechanism is rovided for connecting and disconnecting t 1e drum 245 and shaft (32. As so emblj died, the drum 245 is loosely mounted on a sleeve 255 within which sleeve shaft 69 rotates. The sleeve is also journaled within the bearing 61 and is shouldered against the end of the drum to hold it in position, and the drum is pressed in the opposite direction by spring 258. A clutch jaw 256 is formed on the end of the drum 245, and a cooperating clutch jaw 257 is splined on shaft 62, to rotate therewith but is slidable therealong.

A helical spring 258 encircles sleeve 25 5, and yieldingly presses the clutch 257 into inoperative position against a collar 258 fixed on shaft 62. An annular groove 259 is formed on clutch jaw 257, into which groove projects a pin which is fixed on one end of a lever 260. Lever 260 is pivoted at 261 upon a bracket 262, fixed to the machine frame; and at its other end 263, the lever is pivoted t0 the core 264 of'a solenoid 265. This solenoid may be controlled from the distant control mechanism 166 in the manner already described for the machine in general.

In Fi s. 16 to 23 there is shown dia ram '5 matically onemanner of-using the machine. in making an undercut across a mine room. In Fig. 16 the cutter bar is shown set at an angle approximately midway between the position perpendicular to the traction. treads and the position parallel to the generalaxis of the machine, the machine being driven in the direction of the arrow, and making an en-- tering kerf cut in the manner shown in Fig. 17.

\Vhen the pro-per depth is gained, the treads may be operated to give the machine an angular movement, as shown in Fig. 18, and to bring it to the. position of Fig. 19. Figs. 20 and 21 show different stages in the progress of the cutting of the. kerf along the face of the room; it will be noted that the different positions assumed bythe cutter as it moves across the room as in Fig. 20 are successively parallel; and Figs. 21, 22 and 23 show the squaring of the kerf on the opposite rib, the operations being substantially the reverse of those in making the entering cut. The movements of the machine are in dicated approximately or generally by the arrows on the various figures.

The invention in its broader aspects is no limited to the specific mechanisms shown and described but departures may-be made there from within the scope of the accompanying claims without departing from theprinciples of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages. 1f

What I claim is 1 1. A mining machine including in combination a frame,'traetion devices for driving the machine, a kerf cutter carried by the frame at one side thereof andtoutside with respect to the adjacent tractiondevice, and means including a motor positioned between the traction deviceand. on substantiallv the same level therewith for driving the hurt mm Lel a loo llli

til).

2. A mining machine including in combination aframe, endless belt traction devices with respect to the adjacent traction device,

means including a motor positioned between the traction devices and on substantially the same level therewith for driving the kerli cutter, and mea1is,distant from the mining machine, for controlling said traction devices.

3. A mining machine-including in combination a relatively long and narrow kerf cuttingdevice, endless belt traction means for driving the machine and pressing. the cutting device to thework, the kerf cutting device bein positioned-at the-side of the machine alongside one of thetraction-Jneans, means permitting the changing of the relative position otthe traction means and the cutting devicethereby'to press the cutting deviceeither endwise to make an entering cut or sidewiie to continue cutting a kerf after, entry, and means, distant from the machine, for controlling the t action means.

4. A'mining machine including in combination a relatively long and narrow kerf endless chain device, a plurality of endless belt traction devices for iving the machine and pressing the'cutting device to the work, the kerf cutting device being carried at one side of the ma-chineand outside with respect to the adjacent tractiondevice and mean; permittingthe changing the relative position of the traction means and the cutting device thereby to ress the cutting device either endwise to nnlie an entering cut or sidewise to successively parallel operating positions to continue cutting a kerf after entry, and means for separately controlling the various traction devicesto manoeuver the machine.

5. A mining machine including in combination means for cutting a kerf, traction means for driving the machine and pressing the kerf cutting means to the work, the kert' cutting means being located alongsidethe traction means, means permitting the changing the relative position of the traction means and kerf cutting means thereby to press the lierf cutting means to work in diiierent positions, the traction means serving to move the cutting means bodily sidewise to successively parallel operating positions, winding means also adapted to press the cutter to the work,

' and a driving motor positioned between the traction means and substantially on the same level therewith.

6. A mining machine including in combination a frame, traction devices carried by the frame, a motor carriedby the frame and positioned between the traction devices on substantially the same level therewith, a. relatively long and narrow kerf cutter carried by the frame at one side thereof, outside of one of the traction devices, means for holding after sidewise to successively parallel positions to continue the kerf, and winding means for alsopressmg. the kert' cutter to the work. 7. A mining machine including in combination a frame, a plurality of separately or reversiblydriven traction devices -arried by the frame, kerf cutting means supported by the frame at one side thereof and outside with respect to theadjacent traction device, means for holdingthe kerf cutter in different operative positions with respect to the traction devices, the traction devices serving to move the kerit cutter bodily sidewise to successively parallel operating positions, and means including a motor positioned between the traction devices on substantially the same level therew th for driving the traction devices at ditlerent rates for nianeuvermg'the machine.

8 A mining machine including in combiv nation a relatively long and narrow kcrf cut. ting device, and a pluralit of separately or reversibly driven traction evicesior driving theunachine and pressingthe cutting device to. the work, the kerf cutting device being located; alongside one of the traction devices and outside of the machine with respect to the traction device, means for changingthe relative poition oi the traction means and.

the cutting device thereby to press the cutting device either endwise to make an entering cut or sidewise to continue cutting a kerlf after entry, and' means for separately controllingthe various traction devices to maneuver the machine.

9. A mining machine including in combi-v nation means for cutting a kerl", means for driving'the ker'f-cutting means, a plurality of separately or reversibly driven traction devices for driving the machine and pres=ing the kerii cutting means to the work, the kcrl" cutting means being located alongside one of the traction devices, and means permitting the changing the relative position. of the traction means and kerf cutting means thereby to press the kerf cutting means to the work in dill'erent positions, and meansi'or separately controlling the various traction devices to maneuver the machine and means, distant from the machine, for controllin g the traction means.

10. A mining machine including in combination a relatively longand narrow kerf cutting device, a plurality of separately or reversibly driven traction devices for driving the machine and pressingithe cutting device to the work, the kerf cutting device being located alongside and outside one of the truetion devices, means permitting the changing the relative position of the traction means and the cutting devicc'thereby to ress the cutting device eitheriemlwise to ma (e an .en-

tering cut or side-wise to continue cutting a kert' after entry, and means for separately controlling the various traction devices to maneuver the machine and means, distant from the machine, for controlling the traction means.

11. A mining machine including in'combination means for cutting a kerf comprising a cutter chain traveling in a relatively long and narrow path, means for driving the kerf cutting means, tracting means for driving the machine and pressing the kerf cutting means to the work, the kerf cutting device being located alongside the traction means and outwardly therefrom, and means permitting changing the relativeposition of the traction means and kerf cutting means thereby to press the kerf cutting means to the Work in different positions.

12. A mining machine including in combination a frame, traction devices carried by the frame, a kerf cutter comprising a cutter chain traveling in a relatively long and narrow path, carried at the side of the frame alongside, and outside, one of the traction devices, means for driving the kerf cutter. means for holding the kerf cutter in different angular positions with respect to the traction devices, and means for separately controlling the traction devices for maneuvering the machine.

13. A mining machine including in C0l11blnation a frame, traction devices at the side of the machine, kerf cutting means including a chain traveling in a relatively long and narrow path, carried by the frame at one side thereof, alongside one of the traction devices, and means for separately controlling the traction devices for maneuvering the machine.

14. A mining machine including in combination means for cutting a kerf, means for driving the kerf cutting means, endless belt traction means for driving the machine and pressing the kerf cutting means to the Work, the kerf cutting means being located alongside and outside of the traction means and a control station, distant from the machine, for the traction means.

15. A. mining machine including in combination means for cutting a kerf, means for driving the kerf cutting means, a plurality of separately or reversibly driven traction devices for driving the machine and pressing the kerf cutting means to the Work. the kerf cutting means being located alongside one. of the traction devices and outwardly therefrom, and means for separately controlling the various traction devices to maneuver the machine.

16. A mining machine including in combi-- pressing the lrerf cutting means to the work,

the kerf cutting means being located along side and outside the traction means, means for changing the relative position of the traction means and kerf cutting means thereby to pressthe kcrt cutting means to the Work in different positions, and an electrically operated station distant from the machine for controlling the traction means.

'18. A mining machine including in combinut? means for cutting a kerf, means for driving the lrerf cutting means, a plurality of endless belt traction devices for driving the machine and pressing the kerf cutting means to the Work, the kerf cutting means being located alongside and outside the traction means, means permitting the changing the relative position of the traction means and lrcrl cutting means thereby to press the kcrf cutting means to the Work in diiierent nosi ons. and electrically operated means i; separately controlling the various traction devices to maneuver the machine.

19. A mining machine including in combination means for cutting a kerf, means for driving the kerf cutting means, a plurality of separately or reversibly driven traction devices for driving the machine and pressing the kerf cutting means to the work, the kerf cutting means being positioned at the side of the machine alongside the traction means, means permitting changing the relative positions of the traction means and kerf cutting means thereby to press the kerf cutting cutting device, a plurality of separately or' reversibly driven traction devices for driving the machine and pressing the cutting device to the work. the lrerf cutting device being located alongside and outside of one of the traction devices, means permitting changing the relative position'of the traction means and the cutting device thereby to press the cutting device either endwisc to make an entering cut or sidewise to successively parallel operating positions to continue cutting a lrerf after entry. and electrically operated means for separately controlling the various traction devices to maneuver the machine.

' successively parallel operating positions for cutting the kerf after entry.

22. A mining machine including in combination a low frame, a motor carried thereby, traction devices at either side of the frame, separately and reversibly driven from the motor, and kerf cutting means carried by and projecting from the frame, at the side thereof and on the outside with respect to the adjacent traction device, means permitting the changing the relative position of the traction means and the kerf cutting means to make an entering cut and to continue to suecessively parallel operating positions for cutting the kerf after entry, and means for separately controlling. the traction devices.

23. A mining machine including in combination a low frame, a motor carried thereby, traction devices at either side of the frame, separately and reversibly driven from the motor, and kerf cutting means carried by and projecting from the frame at one side thereof, and positioned alongside one of the traction devices, means permitting the changing the relative position of the traction means and the kerf cutting means to make an entering cut'and to continue cutting the kerf after entry, and means for separately controlling the traction devices from a station distant from the machine.

24. A mining machine including in combination a low frame, a motor carried thereby, a pair ofendlcss traction treads arranged at either side of the machine. a relatively long and narrow kerf cutter variably positionable with respect to the traction treads projecting from the side of the machine alongside one of the traction treads and outwardly therefrom. and disconnectible and reversible driving connections between the motor and the treads. v

25. A mining machine including in combinat-ion a low frame, a motor carried there? by, a pair of endless traction treads arranged at either side of the machine, a relatively long and narrow kerf cutter projecting from the side of the machine, alongside one of the traction treads and outwardly therefrom, means permitting the changing of the position of the kerf cutter with respect tov the traction treads. means for holding the cutter in its various positions for making an end or a side out, and disconnectible and reversible driving connectionsbctween the motor and the treads.

26. A mining machine including in com bination a low frame, a pair of endless trac tion treads arranged at either side of the machine, a driving motor positioned between the traction treads on the same lever therewith, a relatively long and narrow kerf cutter projecting from the side of the n'iachine, alongside one of the traction treads and outwardly therefrom, means permitting the angularly variably relatively positioning the kerf cutter and the treads to make an end or a side cut, the kcrf cutter being movable bodily sidewise to successively parallel operating positions for making the side cut, and connections between the motor and the treads for driving the treads separately or together.

27. A mining machine including in combination a low frame, a motor carried thereby, a pair of endless traction treads arranged at either side of the machine, a relatively long and narrow kerf cutter projecting from the side of the machine and positioned alongside one of the traction treads, and electrically operated disconnectible and reversible driving connections between the motor and the treads.

28. A mining machine including in combination a low frame, a motor carried there by, a. pair of endless traction treads arranged at either side of the machine, a relatively long and narrow kerf cutter projecting from the side of the machine alongside one of the traction treads and outwardly therefrom, the cutter being variably positioned with respect to the traction treads, and disconnectible and reversible driving connections between the motor and the treads for driving the treads separately or together in the same or opposite directions.

29. A mining machine including in combination a low frame, a motor carried thereby, a pair of endless traction treads arranged at either side of the machine, a relatively long and narrow kerf cutter projecting from the side of the machine alongside one of the traction treads and movable with the frame to successively parallel operating positions, means permitting the variably relatively positioning the kerf cutter and the treads to make an end or a side cut, and driving connections including two continuously driven shafts, two cooperating intermittently driven shafts, and separate clutches between each cooperating. pair of shafts between the motor and the treads.-

30. A mining machine including in combination a low frame, a motor carried there by, a pair of endless traction treads arranged at either side of the machine, a relatively long and narrow kerf cutter projecting from the side of the machine with its inner end mounted on the frame adjacent one of the Ill) lln

traction treads, and disconnectible driving connections between the motor and the treads, including two continuously rotated shafts, two intermittently operated shafts driven from each of the continuously rotated shafts, and a clutch cooperating with each of the four intermittently operated shafts.

31. A mining machine including in combination a low frame forming a substantially closed casing, a motor substantially completely enclosed therewithin and protected thereby, trackways formed on said casing at either side thereof, a pair of endless traction treads running on said trackways, connectible and disconnectible driving means between the motor and the traction treads, and a variably positionable kerf cutter mounted on the frame and projecting laterally therefrom, having its inner end attached to the frame alongside one of the trackways.

32. A mining machine including in combination a low frame forming a substantially closed casing, a motor substantially completely enclosedtherewithin and protected thereby, trackways formed on said casing at either side thereof, a pair of endless traction treads running on said trackways, connectible and disconnectible driving means between the.

motor and the traction treads, and an angularly movable kerf cutter mounted on the frame, and projecting outwardly therefrom with its inner end alongside one of the trackways.

33. A mining machine including in combination a low frame forming a substantially closed casing, a motor substantially completely enclosed therewithin and protected thereby, trackways formed on said casing at either side thereof, a pair of endless traction treads running on said trackways, connectible and disconnectible driving means between the motor and the traction treads, and a relatively long and narrow kerf cutter variably positionable on the frame alongside one of the trackways and movable endwise or sidewise to successively parallel operating position.

34. A mining machine including in combination a low frame forming a substantially closed casing, a motor substantially completely enclosed therewithin and protected thereby, trackways formed on said casing at either side thereof, a pair of endless traction treads running on said trackways, connectible and disconnectible driving means hetween the motor and the traction treads, and

a relatively. long and narrow kerf cutter variably positionable on the frame and projecting sidewise therefrom.

35. A mining machine including in combination a low frame forming a substantially closed casing, a motor substantially completely enclosed therewithin and protected thereby. trackways formed on said casing at either side thereof, a pair of endless traction treads running on said trackways, connectible and disconnectible driving means between the motor and the traction treads, and a relatively long and narrow kerf cutter mounted on the frame and projecting sidewise therefrom, and positioned alongside one of the traction treads and movable relatively thereto so as to extend longitudinally of the machine or substantially perpendicularly thereto.

36. A mining machine including in combination a low frame forming a substantially closed casing, a motor substantially completely enclosed therewithin and protected thereby, trackways formed on said casing at either side thereof, a pair of endless traction treads running on said trackways, connectible and disconnectible driving means between the shaft of the motor and the respective traction treads, and a kerf cutter mounted on the frame and projecting outwardly therefrom, with its inner end mounted alongside one of the traction treads.

37. A mining machine including in combination a low frame forming asubstantially closed casing, a motor substantially completely enclosed therewithin and protected thereby, trackways formed on said casing at either side thereof, a pair of endless traction treads running on said trackways, connectible and disconnectible driving means between the shaft of the motor and the respective traction treads, and an angularly movable kerf cutter mounted on the frame and projecting therefrom, with its inner end alongside one of the traction treads.

38. A mining machine including in combi nation a low frame forming a substantially closed casing, a motor substantially completely enclosed therewithin and protected thereby. trackways formed on said casing at either side thereof, a pair of endless traction treads running on said trackways, connectible and disconnectible driving means between the motor and the respective traction treads, and a relatively long and narrow kerf cutter mounted on the frame and projecting side-' wise therefrom and positioned alongside one of the traction treads and movable relatively thereto so as to extend longitudinally of the machine or substantially perpendicularly thereto.

39. A mining machine including in combination a low frame forming a substantially closed casing, a motor substantially completely enclosed therewithin and protected thereby, trackways formed on said casing at either side thereof, a pair of endless traction treads running on said trackways, connectible and disconneetible drivingmeans between the motor and the traction treads, a kerf cutter mounted on the frame andv projecting outwardly therefrom, having its inner end mounted alongside one of the traction treads and means for separately controlling the driving means for the traction treads.

40. A mining machine including in combination a low frame forming a substantially closed easing, a motor substantially completely enclosed therewithin and protected thereby trackways formed on said casing at either side thereof, a pair of endless traction treads running on said trackways, conncctible and disconnectible driving means between the motor and the traction treads, a kerf cutter mounted on the frame alongside one of the traction treads and means operable from a station distant from the machine for separately controlling the driving means for the traction treads.

it. A mining machine including in combination a low frame forming a substantially cutter being mounted on one side of the frame,

with its inner end alongside and outside one of the traction treads, the kerf cutter being movable relatively to the frame so as to ex tend longitudinally of the machine or substantial] y perpendicularly thereto, and means for separately controlling the driving means for the traction treads.

42. A'mining machine including in coinbination a low frame forming a substantially closed casin a motorsubstantially completely enclosed therewithin and protected thereby, trackways formed on said casing at either side thereof,a pair of endless traction treads running on said trackways, connectible and disconnectible driving means between the ino-, tor and the traction treads, a relativelv' lone, and narrow kerf cutter mounted on, the frame and projecting sidewise therefrom, the kerf cutter being mounted on one side of the frame,

with its inner endalongside and outside one of the traction treadathe kerf cutter beingv movable relativelyto the frame so as to extend longitudinally of the machine or sub stantially perpendicularly thereto, and means operable from a distant station for separately controlling the driving means for the traction treads.

43. A mining machine includingin combination a frame, endless traction treads car- 'ried by the machine, means for driving the traction treads in thesanie or opposite direc tion, means for driving the traction treads, li'erf cutting means, and mounting means for the kerf cutting means, located alongside one of the traction treads and projecting from theframe in a direction substantially perpendicular to the treads.

44. A mining machine including in combination a frame, endless traction treads at either side of the machine, means for driving the traction treads, kerf cutting means com prising an endless chain, and angularly adjustablc mounting means for the kerf cutting means located alongside one of the traction treads, and projecting from the frame of the machine between the front and rear bends of the traction treads.

45. A mining machine including in combination a frame, endless traction treads carried by the machine, means for driving the traction treads in the same or opposite directions,

kerf cutting means comprising an endlessv chain, and mounting means for the kerf cutting means located alongside one of the traetion treads and projecting outwardly from the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the treads, said mounting means permitting the movement of the cutting means to different angular operative positions with respect to the traction treads.

46. A mining machine. including in combination a frame, endless traction treads at either side of the machine, a motor fordriving the traction treads positioned between the treads and on substantially the same level therewith, cutting means, and mounting, means for the kerf cutting n1eans,located alongside and outside one of the traction treads, and projecting from the frame of the machine between the front and rear parts of the traction treads, said mounting means permitting the movement of the cutting means to different angular operative positions with respect tothe traction treads,

47. mining machine including in combination a frame, endless traction treads carried by themachine, means for driving the, traction treads in the same or opposite directions, kerf cutting means comprising an endless chain, mounting means for the kerfcutting means located alongside one, of thetraction treadseand projecting outwardly from the frame, said mounting means permitting movement ofthe cutting means to different angular positions, u ith respect to, themachine, and means for driving the kerf euttingmeans. in its different angular positions,

48, A mining machine including in combi nation a frame, endlesstraction treads carried by the machine, means for driving the traction treads in the same or opposite directions, kerf cutting meanQmouuting means for the kerf cutting means located alongside one of the traction treads between the front and rear bends thereof and projecting outwardly from the frame, said mounting means permitting movement of the cutting means to different angular positions ,with respect to the machine, and means for driving the kerf cutting means in its diiferent angularpositions.

4,9, A miningmachine including in combi nationa; frame, a kerf cutter on. the frame, traction means at either side of the machine for maneuvering it, a motor carried by the frame and positioned between the traction devices on substantially the same level therewith, driving connections between one end of the motor shaft and the tractionn means, and driving connections between the other end of the motor shaft and the kerf cutter.

50. A mining machine including in combination a frame, traction devices at either side of the frame for traveling the machine, a kerf cutter carried by the frame and projecting laterally therefrom alongside and outside of one of the traction devices, a motor on the frame positioned between the traction devices and on substantially the same level therewith, driving connections from one end of the motor shaft to the traction devices, and driving connections from the other end of the motor shaft to the kerf cutter.

51. A mining machine including in combination a frame, traction devices at either side of the frame for traveling the machine, a kerf cutter carried by the frame and projecting laterally therefrom alongside and outside of one of the traction devices, a motor on the frame, disconnectible and reversible driving connections from one end of the motor shaft to the traction devices, and driving connections from the other end of the motor shaft to the kerf cutter.

52. A mining machine including in combination a frame, traction devices at either side of the frame for traveling the machine, akerf cutter carried by the frame and projecting laterally therefrom alongside and outside of one of the traction devices, a motor on the frame positioned between the traction devices and on substantially the same level therewith, driving connections from one end of the motor shaft to the traction devices for driving the traction devices independently, and driving connections from the other end of the motor shaft to the kerf cutter.

53. A mining machine including in combination a frame, an endless belt drive at either side thereof, an angularly adjustable kerf cutter carried by the frame alongside and outside one of the endless belts, a motor on the frame, driving connections from one end of the motor shaft to the endless belts, and driving connections from the other end of the driving connections to the kcrf cutter.

54. A mining machine including in combination a frame, longitudinally extending traction treads carried thereby, a motor having its shaft extending transversely with respect to the traction treads, a kerf cutter carried by the frame at one side thereof alongside one of the traction treads, and reversible means, driven from the motor shaft, for driving the traction treads.

55. A mining machine including in combination a frame, longitudinally extending traction treads carried thereby, a motor having its shaft extending transversely with respect to the traction treads, a kerf cutter carried by the frame at one side thereof along side one of the traction treads, means driven from one end of the motor shaft, for driving the kerf cutter, and means, driven from the other end of the motor shaft, for driving the traction treads.

56. A mining machine including in combination a frame, longitudinally extending traction treads carried thereby, a motor having its shaft extending transversely with respect to the traction treads, a kerf cutter. carried by the frame at one side thereof alongside one of the traction treads, and means driven from the other end of the motor shaft, including electro-magnetically. operated clutch means, for driving the traction treads in either direction.

57. A mining machine including in combination a frame, longitudinally extending traction treads carried thereby, a motor having its shaft extending transversely with respect to the traction treads, a kerf cutter carried by the frame at one side thereof alongside one of the traction treads, and means, driven from the motor shaft and including electro-magnetically operated clutch means, for independently driving the traction treads.

58. A mining machine including in combination a frame, endless traction treads at either side of the frame, a kerf cutter carried by the frame, a motor on the frame, means including clutches for operatively connecting the motor to the traction treads and to the kerf cutter, and electro-magnetic means, controlled from a point distant from the machine, for controlling the operation of the clutches.

59. In a mining machine, the combination of a frame, endless traction belts alongside the frame, a motor positioned between the treads on substantially the same level therewith, and a kerf cutter located alongside and outside one of the traction belts.

60. In a mining machine, the combination of a frame, endless traction belts alongside the frame, a motor positioned between the treads on substantially the same level therewith, a kerf cutter located alongside and outside one of the traction belts. and means permitting angular adjustment of the kerf cutter.

61. In a mining machine, the combination of a frame, endless traction belts alongside the frame, a motor positioned between the treads on substantially the same level therewith, and a kerf cutter comprising an endlesschain, located alongside and outside one of the traction belts.

62. In a mining machine, the combination of a frame, endless traction belts alongside the frame, a motor positioned between the treads on substantially the same level therewith, a kerf cutter comprising an endless chain located alongside and outside one of the traction belts. and means permitting angular adjustment of the kerf cutter.

63. In a mining machine, the combination of a frame, endless traction belts alongside trolled from a point distant from the machine the frame, a, motor positioned between the for controlling the operation of the traction treads on substantially the same level therebelts.

with, a kei'f cutter comprising an endless I In testimony whereof, I have signed my chain located alongside and outside one of the name to this specification.

traction belts, means permitting angular adjustment of the kerf cutter, and means, con- KENNETH DAVIS. 

